Don't compare Beterbiev and Bivol to Marciano ever again.

Tonight proved that comparisons between him and these two should stop in the General forum. Bivol couldn't handle Beterbiev's lesser workrate, pace, and overall pressure despite Beterbiev being almost 40. Despite that, Beterbiev couldn't even convincingly win the fight, feeling too uncomfortable when Bivol had established his rhythm and was throwing shots of his own. Mostly just marching forward with a high guard for most of the rounds and throwing back at the last minute, and only really going for it when Bivol was too afraid to rally back. Something that wouldn't happen with Marciano.

Let us also not forget that Marciano literally beat the longest reigning LHW champion of all time during his best streak, and the only man who ever went 3-0 against said Champion.

 

He had a lesser reach than a former Flyweight in Panama Al Brown!

Obviously he would lose to any guy that weighed more than 120 lbs!

 

You're right. But that doesn't really say much, though. It's not as if retiring at a younger age means you were also worse than the longer reigning fighter during your prime. Just look at Ezzard Charles and Archie Moore, or Jones and Hopkins.

Obviously Beterbiev wasn't prime for this one, that's beyond question. That said, current 39 is not the same as 39 back then, Beterbiev has had a very short pro career with plenty of time in between fights to recover. He is about as good as a 39 year old could be, and we do have footage of him in his early to mid 30's to properly gauge his prime ability at its fullest extent. He was never some indestructible demi God, he has been dropped and hurt before. Bivol just happens to be his biggest test in his career, and we now have a fuller picture of him, even if he is not in his prime.

I would have a younger Beterbiev clearly beating Bivol, but nothing to me suggests that he should ever be compared to Marciano or any other CW, or God forbid a 200+ lbs HW ever again.